new backhaul

[thomasa1980]

We are about to establish a new primary backhaul link from a new provider. We have fiber to a common location but that is 3.8 miles LoS to our nearest tower.

We are located in central PA where we do see some heavy rains at times. This link, specifically, will be in Johnstown, PA.

Any thoughts on using AF24HD for this application WITHOUT a backup link (co-location is an issue, might very well be limited to 1 radio)?

Thanks in advance.
-Thomas

[sirhc]

3.8 miles will drop out during HEAVY HEAVY rain but the outages are short lived.

[thomasa1980]

I was just told the link is actually 3.2 miles, does that help any?

[sirhc]

24 GHz can drop at 1 mile if the rain is heavy enough but rain events that will cause AF24 to drop at this distance (1 to 4 miles) is HEAVY rain and this type of rain event is measured in minutes not hours or you have more things to worry about like where are the lifeboats!!!

If you can not have 5 minute outages every now and then you will need to install a backup link like the AF5X or MIMOS but I would put it in and see what you think then consider if you want to back it up.

[thomasa1980]

alright, thanks for the input!

[rebelwireless]

AF24HD sounds like a solid plan! I don't have an 'HD' model myself, but the rain fade is really only during heavy rains. I had a pretty significant rainfall yesterday with 'sheets' coming down and only lost some modulation at 2.5 miles, link didn't drop.

[adairw]

I wouldn't do it.
Go with a licensed shot if you can.

[rebelwireless]

vs a licensed link I don't know that the AF24HD is an obvious choice. The price gets you right in the ballpark for a licensed link like adair suggests. The AF24 is a great value. The AF24HD is awesome but once you are looking at $6k+ then there are a number of other great choices too. I'd also recommend an alternate path or backup link no matter which radios you decide on.